The Takashimaya Shinjuku Department Store in Tokyo is selling face masks made of material dyed or woven with traditional techniques from all over Japan in a special section through Sept. 1.
The items provide a good opportunity to learn about the elaborate work of Japanese textiles from region to region, when protective masks have become a must amid the coronavirus pandemic, the store said.
The masks on sale are made with 21 techniques from 16 prefectures, including traditional Ainu embroidery from Hokkaido, Yuki-tsumugi from Ibaraki Prefecture, Kaga-yuzen from Ishikawa Prefecture, Arimatsu-shibori tie-dye from Aichi Prefecture, Oshima-tsumugi from Kagoshima Prefecture, Ryukyu-kasuri from Okinawa Prefecture, and others. They sell for between 1,000 yen and 4,000 yen excluding tax.
Even with the same technique, the designs and colors are slightly different, and shoppers were seen looking through them one by one before making a purchase.
A part-time university lecturer from Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward bought some for her friend and her sister.
"The material is unique and comfortable to wear. I barely have a chance to wear kimono, so I want to enjoy this mask instead, just for the mood," she said with a smile.
At the department store, sales of yukata and other kimono items have declined when the spread of novel coronavirus forced cancellations of a series of fireworks festivals and other summer events.
The store's section chief in charge said, "We want our customers to feel like they are actually visiting the production areas and become interested in the dyeing and weaving through this casual fashion item."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
